REVIEW: Mammut Togir 3 Slide Harness

Billed by Mammut as an 'alpine all-rounder', the appallingly named Togir 3 Slide harness actually does a pretty decent job of being an all-round all-rounder, being as well suited to UK cragging, Scottish winter and punter sport climbing as it is to Alpine fun. In fact, possibly more so.

"It's no lightweight specialist, but for what you're getting its weight seems fairly reasonable"

​Weight and build quality

To reduce weight and bulk, and to help spread the load, Mammut have used a split webbing construction which runs the load-bearing webbing around the edges of the waist belt and leg loops. As an all-rounder you'd expect the Togir (etc) to strike a workmanlike compromise on the weight front, and there are no surprises here. At 439g (size L, my measure) it is no lightweight specialist, possibly somewhat undermining that 'alpine' description. But for the features you're getting its weight seems fairly reasonable. From a safety perspective the quality of any harness obviously has to be unimpeachable, but aside from this the general workmanship is also pretty good.

A plastic guard protects the tie-in point - a particularly high-wear area

Buckles on the leg loops allow you to tailor the fit to your own dimensions, and to accommodate multiple layers for mountaineering or winter climbing. I have fairly broad thighs and a not notably narrow waistline, yet in size Large the leg loops only just go small enough to fit me convincingly, while the waist band sits about mid way on me. What thunder-thighed man-mountain did they model this on? Meanwhile the rise between the leg loops and the tie-in is only just long enough for me. The moral, as with all harnesses, is to try it on for size before you buy.

Contoured for a good close fit, the waist belt and leg loops are also notably flat, sitting very flush to the body. By the standards of most all-round harnesses the padding feels minimalist, sufficient for comfort whilst climbing but not offering a lot of luxury if you find yourself hanging around for any length of time. I had occasion to test this on its first outing by dogging inelegantly up a short trad route (shame prevents me admitting the grade). If you anticipate spending a lot of time dangling, whether that's a hanging belay, aid climbing or a sport project, then this is not the ideal harness.

The rear risers between waist belt and leg loops are the usual elastic webbing. Instead of the more customary plastic buckle this secures at the top with a tiny metal hook. Should nature call when you're mid-route and you have to drop the leg loops, the hook is easily detached; however even in the comfort of my own home with the aid of a bathroom mirror I find it quite a fiddle to re-attach.

On the subject of fit, a women's version of the Togir 3 Slide is also available.

Plenty of scope to accommodate extra layers for cold weather or winter climbing

Gear loops

There are two gear loops on each side, overlaid with moulded plastic for rigidity. While some prefer a fifth gear loop for the bits and bobs you inevitably accrue when trad climbing I'm usually happy with four. For tradding I do think the Togir's could be slightly larger however, as they can start to feel a bit cluttered with a full rack hanging off you - particularly if, like me, you tend to rack all the protection on the two front loops. On the plus side the gear loops seem well positioned, so gear hangs to the side or the rear rather than bunching up at the front of the harness (this partly depends on how well the harness fits you personally, I suspect). Two sewn loops on each side accommodate up to four ice screw clippers (if that's how you like to carry them), boosting the Togir's credentials as a harness for all seasons. At the rear you get a very small webbing haul loop - a bit of a fiddle to locate if you're hanging anything on it (my prussiks tend to live here) but adequate. There's also a tiny separate loop for clipping a chalk bag.

Buckles and tie-in point

Buckles are of the now pretty much universal auto locking variety, a definite safety advance on the old double-back fastener. They are relatively small compared to some buckes - I have it side by side with a new Petzl Adjma for comparision - which makes them a little more awkward to use with gloves on, but not by much.

The lower tie-in loop sports a chunky plastic guard, which both protects against abrasion and holds it rigid for easy tying-in. Mammut are not the only manufacturer to use these, and given the wear and tear that this bit of a harness receives it seems a sensible idea. While I've never noticed any worrying damage at this point on other harnesses - if you did, it would be retirement time - the additional protection is reassuring.

Summary

The Togir 3 Slide is a decent all-rounder, fully adjustable for four season use and equally suited to summer cragging and ice climbing. Well-made and reasonably priced, it is all the harness that a jack-of-all-trades would need. On the plus side it is very compact in the bag, and has a minimalist low-profile feel when in use. The plastic guard on the tie-in point is an excellent addition too, if only for peace of mind. On the other hand its lack of padding becomes a disadvantage when you're hanging around, and yet despite this scanty cushioning the weight is only middle-of-the-road, not notably light. For trad climbers, slightly bigger gear loops would be an advantage. The attachment hook for the rear elastic is a real fiddle too. Quibbles aside, I've been getting on well with the Togir 3 Slide, and I'm sure to keep using it regularly - perhaps especially in winter, when minimal padding is no disadvantage.

Sizes: S, M, L, XL (men) XS, S, M, L (women)

Weight: 439g (size L, my weight)

Adjustable leg loops

Innovative Split Webbing technology

Complex laminating process for a flat design and maximum comfort

Full safety and easy adjustment through 3 Slide Bloc buckles

Patented tie-in protector prevents the harness from abrasion damage

4 overmolded gear loops

4 loops to attach an ice screw carabiner

Very strong haul loop

Functional Drop Seat buckle

Price: £65

Mammut say:

The Togir 3 Slide, a versatile alpine all-rounder, features a combination of Split Webbing and laminating technology for maximum comfort, optimum freedom of movement and a low weight. It is ideal for long adventures on rock faces as well as in mixed terrain. Equipped with adjustable leg loops, the harness can be quickly adapted to different applications. The four securely attached gear loops provide enough space for climbing equipment and for ice and mixed climbing, a further four ice-screw carabiners can be added.